Power Tools.... Help With Some Ideas!

[ShortBBL]

Hi guys and gals!

I'm working hard on settin up shop and want to buy a couple power tools to help with leather working projects. I was thinking a Drill Press would be handy for some burnishing tasks (as well as some "hole makin tasks") and wonder how many use one of these for that purpose, burnishing.

Another tool I am wondering about is either a belt sander/table/bed type model or an oscillating table sander for burnishing. I will be doing some sheaths and belts and wonder if the belt type sander would be better for cleaning up the edges (making sure they remain perfectly even?) or if that's not needed so much.

I'm all ears..... please chime in and give me some ideas on the usefullness of these items.

Thanks!

[dirtclod]

I use a table mounted belt sander 4x36 inch. One thing on the table mounted sanders you will need to flip the belt part a 180 degrees. It runs the wrong way for leather work. As it comes the belt goes away from you and it needs to come toward you. Or i think does anyway. I only use the end for my sanding.

Or you get the drums that paper fits on and use them in a drill that's in a vice.

For burnishing i use a piece of deer antler and finish up with a piece of ceral or cracker box " use the non printed backside " .

[Luke Hatley]

I have a belt sander and also a drill press that i bought at Harbor Freight.

Two machines that i could not do without.

[kevinhopkins]

Hi... For sure you're on the right track... the right machines (or lack thereof) can make or break a shop! The machines that you're talking about will certainly do you good. If you have a way to acquire a finishing machine, by all means do it! For what it's worth, if you'd like to hear some of the benefits of one, and also get an idea of different ways that you can come up with one, (they don't have to be that expensive) call us, and ask for Bo Riddle. He'll definitely make you smarter, and it's our dime. 800-668-8518

Happy electric leather crafting!

Kevin

[bruce johnson]

I use a few power tools. I have two drill presses. One is set up for burnishing and the other is used for punching/drilling holes. I have a 4x36 bench sander also. I use the end for removing glue residue or mild trueing with a pretty used up belt. I use a shop press for a clicker, molded cases, and embossing. I have one bench grinder in the shop I charge the wheels with compound for final polish on edges. It sits under a three sided carboard box to prevent flinging excess compound around. I just got a 1x30 belt sander for "slack belt" sharpening. It was from a link someone posted here to a knife forum. It really works nicely for final edge work.

For me, the drill press would be first and then the benchtop belt sander.

[ShortBBL]

I use a few power tools. I have two drill presses. One is set up for burnishing and the other is used for punching/drilling holes. I have a 4x36 bench sander also. I use the end for removing glue residue or mild trueing with a pretty used up belt. I use a shop press for a clicker, molded cases, and embossing. I have one bench grinder in the shop I charge the wheels with compound for final polish on edges. It sits under a three sided carboard box to prevent flinging excess compound around. I just got a 1x30 belt sander for "slack belt" sharpening. It was from a link someone posted here to a knife forum. It really works nicely for final edge work.

For me, the drill press would be first and then the benchtop belt sander.

Would it matter if I went with an oscillating belt sander? The one I was looking at will do drums or the belt.... when using the belt, it is not laying flat, it is running sideways..... I think it would work fine though. The oscillating part might keep it from heating up one spot of the belt too hot, or not. I'm not sure.

Thanks for the comments everyone!